Student support programs

Students with minimal English who have recently arrived in South Australia may be eligible for support to learn English for living and studying in South Australia.

Find out more about support to learn English.

Opportunities in mainstream education

Government schools and preschools don't offer programs for gifted and talented children as part of the standard curriculum. Contact your local school to ask if they have specialised courses and programs.

Specialised courses and programs

A number of schools offer specialised courses and programs for students:

• with a special interest
• who are well ahead of their peers
• demonstrating talent in a particular area.

Ignite program - accelerated learning at high school

Three public high schools in Adelaide provide accelerated learning through the Ignite program. They are:

• The Heights School
• Glenunga International High School
• Aberfoyle Park High School

The Ignite program is fast-paced and contains less review and repetition than the normal curriculum because gifted students usually understand concepts quickly. Students can accelerate through school to complete years 8, 9 and 10 in two years or opt for a program that focuses on moving faster through subjects or expanding on them, rather than skipping grades.

Features of the Ignite program include:

• selective entry for students into year 8 based on a four-part test
• students working with intellectual peers
• focus on critical, creative and caring thinking
• special technology and resources
• flexible timetabling.

For more information please contact one of the schools listed above.

Support for gifted and talented learners

Gifted and talented learners may need additional support from parents to feel accepted, valued and have opportunities to interact with peers. Parents may wish to speak to the school about:

• referral to a psychologist, school counsellor or expert in gifted development
• help with subject and career choice, especially where students are accelerated into SACE, vocational training or university
• Individual Education Plans.

Individual education plans for gifted and talented students

Some gifted and talented students may require an Individual Education Plan (IEP) to help guide their learning and ensure their overall wellbeing. Individual Education Plans might be required by students who:

• need significant social or emotional support
• have requirements that cannot be met in their classroom or at the school
• have uneven development between areas such as verbal and non-verbal performance
• have learning difficulties or disabilities that require support
• enroll early in kindergarten or school
• are to be accelerated through a year level
• are assessed by psychologists as being in the 98th percentile or above of the intellectually gifted range and are capable of working at a significantly higher level than classmates of the same age.

Aboriginal children have an individual learning plan that incorporates the curriculum needs of gifted Aboriginal children and students.

Students might be able to access a mentoring program, where they spend time at their school with a mentor offering support and guidance. Mentoring is based on building confidence through positive relationships and shared experiences and can encourage successful participation in school.

Not all schools have active mentoring programs.

Becoming involved

Parents and caregivers can talk to the principal or the classroom teacher to find out if their school has a mentoring program and if their child may benefit from being involved. The principal or teacher might suggest other ways that the school can support the student.

Volunteers as mentors

Volunteers might be matched, screened and trained to mentor students in schools. The aim of a volunteer mentor is to assist students of all ages to reach their full potential by bringing young people together with caring individuals who offer guidance, support and encouragement.

Volunteer mentors support students by:

• demonstrating positive relationships
• developing trust, respect and understanding of others
• communicating effectively
• working through problems
• encouraging positive life choices.

The student, mentor and teacher decide together how the time will be spent. Sessions are held at school and might involve:

• developing or researching student's ideas to set goals
• general conversation
• hands-on activities - eg craft, cooking, playing board games or sport.

Becoming a volunteer

Adults can volunteer to become community mentors in government primary schools. However, not all schools have a community volunteer mentoring program.

Community mentor volunteers will be assisted by the school to:

• complete a relevant history screening (working with children check)
• undertake training in mentoring and responding to risks of harm, abuse and neglect – education and care fundamentals (RRHAN-EC)
• participate in school-based site induction.

To find out more contact the schools in your area to see if they are running a volunteer mentoring program.

Other school-based mentoring

Students might also be able to receive mentoring from school staff or professional mentors, through their school.

These mentors work one-on-one or in a small group to establish a support plan based on students' individual needs. This support offers guidance and encouragement to:

• develop positive wellbeing and optimism
• improve educational participation and achievement
• develop individual learning plans to improve literacy and numeracy skills
• establish effective relationships
• set positive goals for the future
• build personal, career development and employment skills.

Mentors might be school-based staff, suitably trained professionals or agency mentors. All mentors should:

• undertake mentor training
• complete a screening program
• be supported with ongoing professional development.